European supply chain leader, Wincanton, has secured a new contract to operate a Northern Distribution Centre for Sainsbury's convenience stores. The site, opened last month in Maltby, South Yorkshire, sees Wincanton control warehousing and transport operations for Sainsbury's Northern convenience stores. The operation further consolidates Wincanton's existing relationship with the supermarket chain.

The 100,000 sq. ft. dedicated user site stores around 6,000 pallets of both ambient and temperature-controlled items. The operation sees Wincanton transport product to over 220 Sainsbury's convenience stores in the North of England, reaching both the East and West coasts of England.

Mike Sturt, logistics director, northern, Sainsbury's, commented: "We have been very impressed with the support that Wincanton has offered on our other operations, so the decision to strengthen our relationship was straightforward. Wincanton's considerable expertise in the retail sector and its ability to offer a dedicated site were key factors in our decision-making."

Martin Taylor, managing director, retail, Wincanton, said: "We are delighted that Sainsbury's has chosen us to manage its Northern convenience operations. The win develops our relationship with Sainbury's, demonstrates our success at growing organically with key customers, and strengthens our reputation within the demanding retail marketplace."

The contract builds on Wincanton's other synergies with Sainsbury's. The supply chain specialist used its Buntingford distribution centre in Hertfordshire to provide seasonal relief for Sainsbury's, managing Christmas-related products for all of its UK stores.

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Editors' notes - Wincanton plc

Wincanton plc - leading supply chain solutions

Wincanton, a FTSE 250 company, is a European leader in the design and delivery of advanced supply chain solutions. Its 28,000 people operate across Europe, producing an annual turnover of over £1.8bn / €2.6bn, and offer a broad spectrum of services that enable clients to optimise their logistics requirements at local, national or regional level.

Serving some of the world's leading companies, Wincanton offers extensive experience in many market sectors, including automotive, chemicals, consumer goods, food service, high tech, industrial, energy & petroleum and retail.

Wincanton is focused on operational excellence, continually striving to provide value and product leadership through a detailed understanding of companies' requirements. The results are solutions that allow customers to focus on their core business. Warehousing solutions are tailored to requirements on a dedicated, shared-user or networked basis, while transport is provided utilising road, rail, air and intermodal systems. Further information on Wincanton's unique achievements and competencies can be found by visiting our updated website at www.wincanton.co.uk

More information on Wincanton from Charles Carr

Tel: +44 (0) 1249 710763

Fax: +44 (0) 1249 710034

E-mail: charles.carr@wincanton.co.uk

More press information from: Duncan Gallagher, Emma Carter, Ayleen Dunbar or Dave Turner at icas public relations on Tel: 01442 261199 or Fax: 01442 236401 or e-mail wincantonpr@icas.co.uk